TechCrunch is collaborating with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, the largest global innovation conference in Asia, taking place from April 27 to 29 at Tokyo Big Sight. In addition to our coverage, Isabelle Johannessen, the program manager for our Startup Battlefield, will serve as a judge for the SusHi Tech Challenge, the event’s premier pitch competition.
The stakes for the competition winner are significant: the recipient of the SusHi Tech Challenge Grand Prix will secure an entry into the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200, qualifying them to present on one of the most prestigious platforms in the startup ecosystem.
Understanding SusHi Tech Tokyo
In its fourth year, SusHi Tech Tokyo — short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo — has established itself as Asia’s foremost innovation conference, attracting startups, investors, corporate partners, and urban leaders globally. This year’s edition is poised to be the largest to date, featuring 750 startup exhibitors from 60 countries, over 10,000 organized business meetings, and an anticipated crowd of 60,000 participants over three days.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government organizes the conference with a clear vision: to unite the brightest innovators in an effort to construct the sustainable cities of tomorrow.
The expo features 62 corporate partners, including major firms like Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho, who are hosting reverse pitches to seek collaborations with startups. This dynamic setup transforms the conference into a vibrant marketplace for deal-making.
Focusing on Key Technology Areas
SusHi Tech 2026 is concentrating on four critical technology domains that are reshaping society: AI, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment. Attendees can anticipate live demonstrations of humanoid robots, discussions on autonomous driving advancements, in-depth sessions on cyber defense and climate technology, and frank dialogues about how AI is transforming global music and anime industries.
Esteemed speakers include Howard Wright from Nvidia, Rob Chu from AWS, Eva Chen from Trend Micro, and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, among others. Approximately 60% of the speakers will be international, and roughly half are women.
Exploring the SusHi Tech Challenge
The pitch competition has generated considerable interest, attracting 820 applications from 60 countries and regions, with 437 international entries and 383 from Japan. Twenty semifinalists will compete on April 27, with seven finalists moving on to the final round on April 28. The Grand Prix winner will receive ¥10,000,000 and automatic qualification for the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200.
Expanding the Experience
The conference’s impact extends beyond the exhibition floor. City leaders from 49 cities across five continents, including Los Angeles, Nairobi, and Singapore, will gather for the G-NETS Leaders Summit to establish concrete commitments concerning climate resilience and urban sustainability. Meanwhile, corporate partners such as Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho will host reverse pitches to scout for potential startup collaborations.
In true Tokyo fashion, the conference activities continue after hours, featuring classical music performances by La Folle Journée, waterfront cruises on Tokyo Bay, and the Tokyo Innovation NIGHTs, a networking series that offers further opportunities for connection.
Prepare with the Official App
To enhance your experience, download the official SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 app. This mobile tool enables AI-powered matchmaking to connect you with the right startups, investors, and partners, and allows you to reserve meeting rooms in advance. On-site, features include a GPS-enabled floor map, QR business card exchange, and instant push notifications to help you navigate the expansive Tokyo Big Sight venue. Available for both iOS and Android.
The SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 conference will run from April 27 to 29 at Tokyo Big Sight, with the 27th and 28th reserved for business attendees and a free Public Day on April 29.